This handling model deals with what the suspension system is doing, not how it does it, to break free of the ‘nested iterative loops’ which are slow, risky and restrict development. It confirms that the targets given to system designers will deliver the desired vehicle, before it is too late or too expensive to change. View online presentation of benefits.
Technology
- Changes in system behaviour immediately assessed against vehicle behaviour
- Real-time simulation of driving characteristics
- Driven by continuously variable stiffness and damping matrices in the representation of the suspension systems
- Inputs: system level behaviour targets
- Outputs: standard ISO tests; driver model for closed loop simulation; user interaction
Benefits
- Faster vehicle development
- Early information to confirm ‘hard to change later’ decisions
- Model precision produces better-designed vehicle from the outset
- Fewer design corrections so less track development needed
- Project costs, timescale and technical risk are all reduced
- End product closely aligned with the manufacturer’s objectives
Applications
- Handling diagnostics and development
- Concept evaluation
- Suspension target setting
- Simulator engine development